The Nigerian striker joined the Hornets from Udinese in the summer on a season-long loan deal and has been tasked with helping the club win promotion to the Premier League.

So far, it’s fair to say the 25-year-old is doing a pretty good job of it, as 14 goals in 18 Championship matches have helped propel the Vicarage Road outfit to fourth place in the Championship, one point behind second.

Promotion is a very realistic proposition for Ighalo and his teammates this season, and the former Lyn star has said that a meeting with Chilean international Alexis Sanchez is what helps drive his promotion dream.

“Alexis Sanchez is a nice guy. I know him from Udinese and when I played against Barcelona for Granada we swapped jerseys,” Ighalo explained.

The former Barcelona ace is undoubtedly a heavy favourite for the top end of season Player of the Year awards both at the Emirates Stadium and in the Premier League gala.

But to top off an excellent debut campaign in England, Sanchez will be desperate to help his side repeat last season’s FA Cup success and maintain their spot in the top four, securing Champions League football.

Tom Thorogood

I'm a 27 year old language teacher and writer based out in Mexico with a passion for football and swimming. I like to focus on the top European Leagues, especially La Liga, as well as the footballing development in Central and South America. My favourite teams include Derby County, Barcelona and Jagaures de Chiapas.